To study the efficacy of Dexamethasone injected into the masseter muscle in controlling post operative sequelae after 3^rd molar surgery

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of a single dose of 2ml Dexamethasone (4mg/ml) injected into masseter muscle in controlling the post operative sequelae after surgical removal of impacted third molars.

This is a single blind study carried out on 20 systemically healthy individuals who needed removal of identical bilateral impacted mandibular third molars. One side was designated as test site to which Dexamethasone 2 ml was injected into the masseter muscle and other site served as control. The two extractions were carried out 3–4 weeks apart. Pain, swelling and trismus were evaluated preoperatively, 2 days postoperatively and 7 days postoperatively.

The results showed overall reduction of postoperative pain, swelling and trismus on the test site than the control. No general or local complaints or complications due to steroid administration were noticed in any of the study subjects.

It was concluded that perioperative steroid treatment is effective in reducing postoperative sequelae of pain, swelling and trismus and the administration is safe in the absence of contraindications for steroid administration.